Diabetes Support Group to Help
Get Diabetics on Track in 2010

People living in Tulare and Kings counties can better manage their diabetes in 2010 by gathering the information they need at Visalia Medical Clinic's Diabetes Support Group.

The group will kickoff monthly meetings at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 11, at Visalia Medical Clinic, 5400 W. Hillsdale Drive. The meetings, led by Susan Smith, Visalia Medical Clinic's nationally Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Ph.D., will discuss how diabetics can get back on track and how to better manage diabetes. Cost to attend is $5 per family.

Through June, Visalia Medical Clinic's Diabetes Support Group will hold one-hour meetings at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the following days to discuss these topics:

• Monday, Feb. 8: Diabetes Control – Watch Your Numbers
• Monday, March 8: Dietary Changes – How to Stay on Track
• Monday, April 12: Foot Care for Diabetics
• Monday, May 10: Making Diabetes Changes for Warmer Weather
• Monday, June 14: Get Moving for Better Blood Sugar Control

With more and more Tulare County residents being diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes, Visalia Medical Clinic helps people better manage diabetes with its diabetes education program, its support group and a specialist in the field of diabetes, Dr. James Mohs, MD. As an endocrinologist, Dr. Mohs works with patients of Visalia Medical Clinic to manage their diabetes by prescribing medications, offering diet plans and keeping a close watch on blood glucose levels.

Visalia Medical Clinic is in the process of developing a diabetes mentoring program. The clinic is looking for mentors who have diabetes but have made lifestyle changes, lost weight and now have control of their blood sugars. People who fit that description and are interested in becoming a mentor should contact Susan Smith at ssmith@vmchealth.com.
Visalia Medical Clinic offers the expertise of more than 40 physicians, physical therapy, sleep lab, a diagnostic laboratory and a wide array of imaging technology in one location at 5400 W. Hillsdale, Visalia. The clinic is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while QuickCare is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, call 739-2000 or visit www.vmchealth.com.